Applications of Fused Silica
Fused silica is a form of glass that is produced by melting quartz sand and then rapidly cooling it. This process creates a material that is highly transparent, durable, and resistant to heat and chemicals. Fused silica has a wide variety of applications, including:
Pharmaceuticals
The demanding environment of pharmaceutical manufacturing, characterized by high temperatures and corrosive chemicals, makes fused silica an ideal material for various applications. Its chemical purity, non-hygroscopic nature, and thermal shock resistance render it well-suited for these challenging conditions.
Electronics Manufacturing
The production of electronic devices necessitates the use of both conductive and insulating materials. Fused silica stands out as an excellent choice for insulating components due to its exceptional properties of low conductivity and low electric loss factor.
Lasers
The operation of numerous light-based systems, including lasers, hinges on the utilization of optical components crafted from the highest purity fused silica, which excel at focusing and separating light.
Optical Components
Owing to its exceptional ability to transmit light across the visible (VIS), ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) wavelengths, fused silica has proven to be indispensable in the production of optical components, including lenses, mirrors, and optics designed for UV and IR transmission.
Semiconductors
The exceptional purity of fused silica, an advanced material with minimal impurities and imperfections, is a critical factor in the production of semiconductors, the fundamental building blocks of modern electronics. Its purity is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and scientific rigor that go into the production of high-performance semiconductors.
Oil and Gas
Fused silica plays a crucial role in oil and gas applications due to its exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and optical clarity. It is used in fiber optic communications for data transmission, optical sensing for parameter measurement, chemical processing equipment, instrumentation components, and high-pressure fluid handling systems.
UV Light Sanitation
UV light sanitation has emerged as a compelling non-toxic alternative to traditional methods that often involve the use of harsh chemicals. This eco-friendly approach harnesses the power of ultraviolet radiation to target and eliminate harmful microorganisms, effectively sanitizing surfaces without introducing any hazardous substances. Fused silica, a material known for its exceptional thermal and radiation resistance, is an ideal choice for manufacturing equipment subjected to UV light sanitation processes.
Satellite and Deep Space
With a near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) fused silica is an exceptional material for satellite and deep space applications due to its remarkable ability to maintain its shape and dimensions under extreme temperatures. This property is crucial for satellite components operating in the scorching heat of direct sunlight to the frigid temperatures of a deep space environment. Corning’s ULE 7973® fused silica’s near-zero CTE ensures that components maintain their precise optical and structural integrity.